During AquaExpo Internacional in Guayaquil, the Sustainable Shrimp Partnership (SSP) and the National Chamber of Aquaculture (CNA) will host the second edition of the sustainability forum, Race to the Top. The event will bring together more than 30 global and industry leaders, and international executives to drive sustainability, innovation, and climate resilience in aquaculture, while inspiring other industries to adopt these efforts.
This year, the forum returns with a new approach. Under the theme “Transform, Inspire, Lead,” Race to the Top raises the conversation by bringing together two of the most influential aquaculture proteins —shrimp and salmon— on the same stage. It also opens the door to cross-sector learning, drawing on successful experiences from other industries to advance together toward more responsible food production systems.
Confirmed speakers include representatives from Google, former NASA executives, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Global Salmon Initiative (GSI), and the Salmon Council of Chile, along with leading shrimp producers, and experts in banking, food innovation, and corporate sustainability, among others.
Pamela Nath, SSP Director, stated in a press release: “At Race to the Top, we aim to show that it is possible to produce food ethically, competitively, and sustainably, without sacrificing principles or quality. Sustainability is not just a technical requirement, but an attitude, a way of thinking, deciding, and leading. It requires long-term vision, discipline, and the courage to set the path. That is the spirit we are bringing back to Guayaquil.”
In addition, José Antonio Camposano, Executive President of the CNA, said: “Ecuador has already proven that it is possible to lead the shrimp industry with responsibility and excellence. Now the challenge is to do so sustainably in a highly competitive environment. For this, Race to the Top is our answer: a space to think collectively, act faster, and inspire changes that go beyond the sector.”
The program, which includes 13 confirmed sessions, will feature expert panels, presentations, and case studies organized around four central themes: governance, environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic sustainability. In its previous edition, the forum brought together more than 350 participants and 35 national and international speakers, including representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), IDH, and leading companies from the global aquaculture sector.
This new edition of Race to the Top is supported by Cargill, Con3xión Consultores, Duragas, Huawei, LarvIA, and Vitapro, companies committed to innovation and responsible production.
